Crafted from Nature, Perfected by Hand

Name and Philosophy

In Japanese tradition, Narukami signifies more than the sound of thunder—it embodies the divine spirit of the thunder god, revered as a manifestation of nature’s awe-inspiring power.

From ancient times, thunder was seen not as mere weather, but as a message from the heavens. Farmers prayed to the thunder god for rain to nourish their crops, while festivals across Japan celebrated thunder with the beat of great taiko drums, echoing the rumble of the sky. In classical Noh - 能  and Kabuki - 歌舞伎  theatre, the presence of thunder was dramatized through booming percussion, representing both fear and blessing.

The reverence for Narukami reveals a uniquely Japanese sensibility: Nature is not to be conquered, but to be honored, listened to, and harmonized with. Thunder is both destructive and life-giving — a reminder of humanity’s smallness and nature’s grandeur.

It is from this deep cultural lineage that the NARUKAMI audio system takes its name. Just as the thunder god’s voice resounds across valleys and temples, NARUKAMI aspires to channel that same energy, bringing forth sound that is powerful, pure, and sacred.

The Essence of Japanese Craftsmanship

The front panels and housings are crafted from kurogaki — historically known as a “phantom timber”. Across centuries, only a vanishing few persimmon trees develop the black, ink-like streaks that define this rare material.

Why is it “phantom”?

Kurogaki is not a distinct species, but a rare phenomenon that appears only in certain persimmon trees. Not every tree will produce it. Out of thousands, only a few develop the deep black grain that defines this wood. The reason behind the appearance of these black patterns remains elusive to this day, as they can only be found in ancient trees that are over a hundred years old.

Due to its mystique and Zen-like patterns, kurogaki has been cherished by nobles and literati throughout history. The Tōdai-ji Shōsōin in Nara City houses numerous ancient treasures, including a significant collection of kurogaki crafts, serving as a testament to its enduring cultural importance in Japan.

This project is about honoring nature and craftsmanship, preserving a miracle beyond human making as a creation for the next generation. Not an act of wasteful consumption, but of working sincerely with what little nature provides.

No two grains are alike. Each panel is hand-finished by master woodworkers, who polish to reveal the depth of jet-black hues while preserving the subtle warmth of persimmon’s resonance.

Design Rooted in Tradition

The amplifier’s ventilation holes echo the raked patterns of karesansui (Zen rock gardens), while the protective mesh over the vacuum tubes features an ayasugi motif, a traditional Japanese geometric pattern.
These design elements are not mere decoration: they shape airflow and acoustic performance, embodying functional beauty that unites artistry with engineering.

Fusion of Mastery and Technology

Behind every visible detail lies a decade of unseen work. Over the course of ten years and eleven prototypes, NARUKAMI was perfected not by instruments but by human ears, tuned until sound itself felt alive. This philosophy extends to the hidden architecture of the amplifier—where wire routing, power separation, and signal paths are crafted with the same care as the wood panels outside.

• Vacuum tube circuitry: ECC83S for amplification and Takatsuki Electric 300B tubes for output, delivering warmth and power.
• Full-balanced architecture: From input to output, with dual independent power transformers to eliminate noise.
• Transducer precision: Custom Lundahl transformers with amorphous cores and silver windings for unrivaled clarity and resolution.
• Handcrafted precision: Every relay, every circuit path assembled and tested by master engineers, refined through repeated measurement and listening.

What NARUKAMI Represents

NARUKAMI is not merely an industrial product.
Its very existence carries intrinsic value, while the experience of engaging with it is as rich and profound as a dialogue with nature and culture—offering a form of luxury rarely found in our time.

Rooted in deep respect for history and tradition, it is crafted as if weaving a story. In doing so, it transcends mere function and performance, embodying both preservation and creation.
It stands as “audio as culture,” a new symbol of Japanese craftsmanship that will resonate far into the future.